/ 




hYiroiynwS' 






* 



• < PICTURESQUE - 



SAN JOSE and ENVIRONMENTS 



An illustrated statement of the Progress, Prosperity and Resources of Santa Clara County, California 



"The Garden ok the World. 



PUBLISHED BY 

H. S. FOOTE and C. A. WOOLFOLK. 

San Jose, Cal. 



ii&vv 



V 



^SEP S 1893.) 



HIS WORK is published for the purpose of giving 
to the world accurate information as to the 
progress, prosperity and resources of Santa 
Clara County, California, which has not inaptly been 
named "The Garden of the World." The illustra- 
tions are from photographs and the scenes they repre- 
sent are not exaggerated. The descriptive matter is 
carefully compiled, and the statements are accurate 
as to the facts therein stated. Any person desiring 
more full or detailed information, can obtain the same 
by addressing their questions to the Board of Trade 
or to the Chamber of Commerce of San Jose. 



& 



\ 









COPYRIGHT 1S93, BY 
H. S. FOOTE AND C. A. WOOLFOLK. 



PRESS OF HURLBERT BROS. & CO. 
SAN JOSE, CAI.. 






9 



• 




LICK OBSERVATORY— THE LARGEST TELESCOPE IN THE WORLD. 



^Ovvta/ <6W$ (6aawfc 



T 



AXTA CLARA COUNTY, California, is situated about the center of the State, counting north and south, and is 
within 30 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Its county seat, the City of San Jose, is 52 miles southerly from San 
Francisco, with which city it is connected by three lines of railroad. The great Bay of San Francisco penetrates 
its northern boundar}' and the famed Santa Clara Valley extends throughout its entire length. This valley, which 
has come to be known as "The Garden of the World," is confined on the east by the Mount Diabolo mountains 
and is separated from the sea on the west by the Santa Cruz range. Its topography, as well as its geographical 
position, gives to it a climate that is incomparable. Lying in the same latitude with Italy and Southern France it 
has advantages not possessed by either of those countries. The valley was originally a lake or river bed. When the 
waters receded they left a sedimentary deposit more fertile than that of the valley of the Nile. To this deposit the 
succeeding centuries have added the rich washings of the hills, combining such mineral elements as are most conducive to 
plant growth and production. The ancient lake bed has been transformed into a fertile plain that now produces a 
largei income than any territory of equal area on the face of the globe. The county contains, in round numbers, one 
million of acres of land. Of this area about 250,000 acres lie in the valley, about 300,000 acres are in rolling hills and 
mountain slopes and not inconvenient for cultivation. The remainder is mountainous, interspersed with fertile valleys 
and well watered by limpid springs and by streams in which abound the true mountain trout, the delight of the 
enthusiastic angler. The climate of Santa Clara County is peculiar to itself and a marvel to strangers who find it 
difficult to account for its characteristics on any general meteorological hypothesis. It is neither uncomfortably cold 
in the winter nor uncomfortably warm in the summer. A fall of snow in the valley is an occurrence of such an unusual 
character that it marks an epoch in local history. During the last twenty-five years it has occurred but three times 
and then to a depth of but a couple of inches and it disappeared almost as soon as it fell. The absence of humidity in 




COUNTRY ROADS-WITH SYSTEM OF SPRINKLING. 



the atmosphere during the summer months, and the never failing trade winds, prevent oppressive heat and there is no 
day during that portion of the year in which labor cannot be performed in comfort. The mildness of the winter 
climate is insured by the warm currents of the Pacific Ocean which approach the coast in such a manner as to 
produce the most genial effect in this valley. The effect of these winds is the result of the topography of the countrv. 
Reference to the map which appears on another page will make this fact readily apparent. These winds, which rise 
at about noon each day during the summer, rush with great velocity through the Golden Gate and are projected 
against Mount Diablo by which the}- are deflected to the south and reach this valley in gentle and refreshing breezes. 
The valley, being sheltered from the Pacific by a high range of mountains, is effectually protected from the harsher 
ocean winds and uncomfortable fogs, while the range of hills on the east furnish equal protection from the hot 
atmosphere of the great interior plains. The result is a climate most conducive to health and comfort and to the 
highest development of all the products of field or orchard. In further illustration of this statement reference is made 
to the table of temperature published herewith, which has been accurately compiled from observations regularly taken 
in the City of San Jose, and which shows the reading of the thermometer, and the rainfall, for each day during the 
twelve months ending December 31, 1892. 

THE PROCESSION OF THE SEASONS. 

^^HERE are but two seasons in Santa Clara Count}'. They are popularly called the "wet" season and the "dry" 
\~J season. This nomenclature is misleading to strangers as it conveys the impression that the wet season is a period 
of uninterrupted rainfall. The description of the procession of the seasons, written by the late Judge Belden, will help 
the reader to a more accurate knowledge of the meteorlogical conditions that obtain in this valley. Por that purpose it is 
here presented: "Beginning with themonth of October, thesignscfacomingchange are apparent. Thewinds,no longer 
constant from one quarter, become variable both as to direction and force, or whollv cease. Sudden blasts raise 
miniature whirlwinds of dust and leaves which troop over the fields, and the stillness of the night is broken by fitful 
gusts and the sudden wail of the trees as the breath of the coming winter sweeps through them. These are the 
recognized precursors of the season's change, and are usuallv followed, in the first ten days of October, by an inch or 
more of rain ; and this, usually, by weeks of the finest weather. The effect of these first rains is magical. The dust is 



* 




COURT HOUSE. SAN JOSE. 



washed from the foliage, and is laid in the roads and fields. The air has a fresh sparkle and life. The skies are of a 
deeper azure, and the soft brown hills seem nearer and fairer than before. It is the Indian summer of the east ; but, 
instead of the sott lassitude of the dying year, here it comes with all the freshness and vigor of the new born spring. 
If in this and the succeeding months there are further showers, the grass springs up on every hand, and the selfsown 
grain in all the fields. The hills change their sober russet for a lively green. Wild flowers appear in every sheltered 
nook. Hyacinths and crocusses bloom in the gardens, and the perfume of the violet is everywhere in the air. In the 
latter part of November the rainy season is fully established. A coming storm is now heralded by a strong, steady 
wind, blowing for a day or two from the southeast, usually followed by several days of rain, and these are succeeded 
by days or weeks without a cloud — and thus alternating between occasional storms and frequent sunshine, is the 
weather from October to April— the rainy season in California. The amount of rain that falls varies materially with 
the locality. In San Jose it is from fifteen to twenty inches, while in places not ten miles distant, twice that amount 
is recorded. During this period there are from thirty to forty days on which more or less rain falls ; from fifty to 
seventy days that are cloudy; the rest, bright and pleasant. These estimates will vary with particular seasons; but, 
taking the average of a series of years, it will be found that, from October to April, one half the days are cloudless, 
and full\- three-fourths such that am' out-door vocation can be carried on without discomfort or inconvenience. 
Cyclones and wind storms are wholly unknown and thunder is only heard at rare intervals, and then as a low rumble 
forty miles away in the mountains. With the month of March the rains are practically over, though showers are 
expected and hoped for in April. Between the 1st and 10th of May a. slight shower may not be unexpected, but it 
causes no particular damage nor inconvenience. By the first of July the surface moisture is taken up and dissipated 
and plant growth dependent on this ceases. The grasses have ripened their seed, and, self-cured and dried, are the 
nutritious food of cattle and sheep. The fields of grain are yellow and ripe and wait but the reaper. Forest trees and 
shrubs have paused in their growth. This, to the vegetable world, is the season of rest. This is the winter of the 
Santa Clara Valley — winter, but strangely unlike winter elsewhere, for here man has interposed. Here, by art and by- 
labor, he has reversed the processes of Nature and constrained the courses of the seasons. In gardens bright with 
foliage and resplendent with flowers, there is spring in its freshness and beauty, while, in orchards teeming with 
fruits, and in vineyards purple with ripening grapes, summer and autumn vie for supremacy. And so, with changing 
beauty and ceaseless fruition, pass the seasons of this favored clime." 




m 



HALL OF RECORDS, SAN JOSE. CAL. 



TABLE OF TEMPERATURE. 



Showing the reading of the Thermometer at San Jose, Cal., three times a day for the year ending December 31, 1893. 








JAN. 


FEB. 


MARCH. 


APRIL. 


MAY. 


JUNE. 


JULY. 


AUG. 


SEPT. 


OCT. 


NOV. 


DEC. 


p 


3 t g 1 S 1 zi 


* * 


a 


— 1 


*\* 


a" 


d 


S 


a 


*3 


«=e 


S 


a 


a 


d 


a 1 -■ 1 a 


a 


a 


a 


a 


a 


a 


a 


a j 3 


a 


a 


a 


-a 


& 


a I a ' 


d 


a 


a 


a 


d 




< ?i * § 


< N 


pi 


L_ 


< N 


pi 


js 


■i 


M 


Pi 


== 


< 


CM 


pi 


— 


«l M ft 


< 


M 


p< 


< 


M 


p< 


■*, 


0) P< 


". 


ct 


pi 


z 


< 


<N ft 


st= 


■i 


(N 


pi 


u- 




— ^ c S 


tO n 


to 


CC= 


(0,1-1 (0 


ae 


CO 


H 


CD 


a= 


co 


H 


(0 


cc 


co j ^ co 


CO 


H 


CO 


co 


H 


CO 


co 


H | <£ 


cc n 


CD 




co 


t-I | CO 


■ar 


CO 


H 


CO 


ot= 


1 


43 


55 55 


4760 


57 


.19 


48 58,60 


.78 


436463 


.23 


53 60;60 


.25 


607469 


62 


74 74 


60 76 


80 


577878 


5476 


73 




55 


6870 




42 


52 


50 




2 


47 


56 55 


50 57 


54 




5157 59 


.03 


43; 64 59 


.13 


52 


64 60 


.04 


60,7368 


60 


76 


75 


60 


68 


72 


597475 


54|80 


74 




58 


73 74 




40 


51 


50 


2.00 


■0 



44 


53 52 


4657 


51 


.06 


51 54 56 




475955 




50 


61 


59 


.08 


6075 


74 


68 


81 


79 


60 


68 


70 


5776,76 


7878 


76 




54 


75J67 




46 


57 


56 


.69 


4 


45 


50 51 


40|55 


55 


.22 


4955 


60 




4216364 




54 


70 


61 


.01 


58j77 


76 


60 


82 


72 


60 


70,70 


567267 


6O18O 


72 




51 


65 60 




49 


55 


52 


.09 


5 


49 


53 50 


44;57 


58 


.19 


5054 


55 




5057'52 




43 


66 


65 


.29 


4972 


67 


58 


70 


69 


60 


6872 


5075170 


59172 


70 




46 


61 


59 




44 


55 


54 




6 


45 


53 46 .07 


49 ! 54 


54 


.28 


56 73 


75 




47 '50 


50 




56 


63 


63 


.05 


50 


70168 


51 


74 


70 


58 


70 


78 


60,71 69 


62 


74 


70 




51 


60 


61 




50 


63 


62 




i 


45 


4S 47 .07 


40 


54 


50 




54 72 


75 




44 57 


57 




54 


67 


64 




56 


84 


88 


52 


74 


72 


69 


77 


71 


6073 69 


58 


73 


69 




49 


66 


66 




60 


57 


53 




8 


46 52 52 .13 


45 


56 


54 




5159 


55 




47 


54 


56 




49 


68 


62 




60 


83 


77 


54 


82 


86 


64 


75 


73 


6074 


70 


54 


75 


72 


.14 


46 


66 


65 




49 


59 


58 




9 


53 


44 40 .02 


44 


57 


58 




49 52 


53 




48 


55 


55 




50 


70 


66 




53 


75 


73 


65 


95 


92 


60 


75 


72 


6576 


70 


64 


72 


72 




46 


68 


65 




55 


60 


60 




10 


50 


50 47 .03 


44 


57 


54 




45 60 


62 




47 


68 


60 




48 


55 


57 




54 


80 


75 


58 


74 


70 


57 


75 


71 


5776 


68 


52 


71 


68 




51 


68|67 




54 


58 


54 




11 


53 


54 50 


45 


53 


50 




48 57 57 




52 


65 


56 




55 60 


61 




55 


72 


67 


59 


75 


74 


54 


80 


81 


5870 


65 


64 


80 


78 




54 


70:67 




44 


57 


55 




12 


58 


54 55 


45 


52 


51 




456368 




44 


64 


64 




4960 


62 




53 


74 


70 


59 


82 


73 


56 


85 84 


59|70 


65 


60 


75 


76 




50 


60 


61 




39 


53 


50 




13 


58 


53 54 


45 


52 


49 




5264,62 




46 70|68 




51 62 


61 




50 


70 60 


56 


82 


73 


55 


7877 


60,60 


55 


62 


70;69 




49 


70 


64 




40 


50 


51 




11 


56 


53 50 


48 


54 


57 




53 69 65 




5068 


68 


.10 


50 63 


62 




50 


68 


67 


55 


82 


80 


60 


8279 


56182 


78 


60 


70J70 




46 


62 


56 




38 


50 


50 




15 


48 


58 56 


49 


61 


58 




52 69 


75 


1.21 


47 


68 


69 




56 


67 


66 




49 


70 


66 


58 


77 


75 


60 8479 


567074 


58 


7370 


.06 


52 


65 64 




37 


50 


50 




16 


49 


57 60 


37 


55 


55 




53,70 


70 




52 


67 


65 


.02 


53 


70 


69 




53 63 


62 


59 


74 


72 


637573 


5971,71 


54 63 62 


.30 


54 


70167 




39 


50 


48 




17 


48 


54 55 


40 


57 


57 




53 ] 57 


58 




44 


60 


55 




59 


59 


60 




56 


68 


66 


58 


84 


80 


5977J72 


607071 


59i65 


60 




50 


7075 




37 


50 


52 




18 


40 


54 55 


42 


60 


61 


.28 


54 57 


64 


.15 


46 


64 


63 




55 


61 


60 




55 


72 


70 


61 


84 


73 


57|76i72 


5217570 


4970 


70 




52 


70,67 




39 


54 


52 




19 


43 


56 58 


44 


62 


62 


.07 


54,57 59 


.20 


48 


64 


62 




48 


63 


62 




55 


85 


86 


56 


77 


75 


5617774 


6273J69 


5375 


70 




50 


6565 




41 


50 


52 




20 


42 


53 56 


42 


60 


57 


.01 


4815857 


.03 


44 


66 


64 




46 


67 


64 




60 


87 


87 


50 


74 


71 


58180:76 


60|68 67 


56169165 




45 


57'60 




37 


52 


54 


.04 


21 


44 


60 56 


55 


64 


62 




446258 




50 


71 


66 




52 


68 


66 




60 


71 


69 


52 


73 


70 


60|8070 


52|6870 


58|63 61 




46 


60,60 




39 


56 


53 




22 


39 


50 53 


54 


59 


62 




556258 


.01 


50 


62 


58 




61 


81 


74 




58 


72 


70 


57 


70 


74 


607470 


59J6870 


56 64160 




49 


6057 




37 50 


52 




23 


48 


58 52 


46 


58 


59 




50 58J58 




42 


63 


60 




59 


71 


70 




54 


72 


68 


62 


76 


76 


608583 


607268 


50 


58J60 




45 


60|55 


.20 


44 57 


56 


1.50 


24 


42 


55 50 


55 


61 


63 


.04 


50 55158 




53 63 


58 




52 


79 


81 




56 


70 


70 


58 


78 


73 


60:94,87 


607267 


50 


60J65 




40 


60 60 




40 52 


53 


1.38 


25 


43 


58 50 .19 


56 


59 


60 




526258 




41:62 


57 




58 


82 


86 




53 


74 


73 


58 


75 


70 


67 94 90 


56j8780 


45 


65 65 




43 


62 63 


.28 


59 62 


62 


.26 


26 


42 


57 50 .24 


58 


60 


61 




50 58^9 


.30 


43 68 


65 




60 85 


88 




59 


80 


79 


59 


80 


78 


65 9288 


6418676 


46 


68 69 




45 


60!60 


.03 


6270 


63 


.10 


27 


40 


56 50 


56 


63 


60 




4551:51 


.46 


43 64 


60 




60|89 


90 




59 


73j68 


55 80 


78 


62l86;80 


58|70,71 


46,6869 




54 


57 55 


2.10 


48 50 


50 




28 


42 


58 49 


48 


60 


56 




44 57 58 


.02 


54 66 


62 




63192 


91 




60 


8482 


5580 


79 


58:8074 


63 69 66 


48 62 64 




60 


62 60 


.36 


40 48 


60 




29 


50 


57 55 


45 60 


55 




475958 


.42 


50 60 60 


.15 


5973|68 




57 


7375 


5779 


80 


627770 


56 72 69 


505557 




46 


6260 


.46 


54 58 


58 




30 


52 


55 55 






50 60'58 


.36 


426362 


.05 


5376178 




57 


76 70 


54|80 


73 


60 7374 


52 70 70 


48 58 56 


.50 


54 


52 50 


2.00 


55 57 


60 




31 


43 


50 51 










44 63 


60 












56 


74 


70 










55 80 


84 


61 76 


76 








43 60 


58 












5965 


60 





c 




CHURCH BUILDINGS, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



ANNUAL INCOME OF THE COUNTY. 

^^ HE county has passed through the pastoral age of the Spanish occupation, the grain growing era of the earl)' American 
\^J settlement, with its large ranches and agricultural principalities, and on to the horticultural period which is now 
conferring wealth and happiness on its people. The large ranches have nearly disappeared and their history is- 
rapidly becoming a tradition existing only in the memory of the "oldest inhabitant." In their places have been 
established innumerable homesteads surrounded by orchards and in which hundreds of happy families repose, literally 
under their own vines and fig trees. These holdings differ in area from three to seventy-five acres, but the majority of them 
are in ten acre tracts. To a person unacquainted with the fertility of the soil and the invigorating character of the 
climate, ten acres would seem but a small resource from which to draw a support for a family. But here, a good 
orchard of five acres is a fair living, and ten acres a competency. These small tracts j'ield an annual income of from 
$150 to $300 per acre, while a yield of $500 per acre is of not sufficiently rare occurrence to excite surprise. Many 
instances of still larger returns are placed on record each year. The orchards of Santa Clara County last season, 
(1892,) brought in an amount of money which, if distributed equally among the people, would have given to every 
inhabitant of the county, man, woman and child, the sum of $100. The following tabic, taken from the shipping 
record at the railroad office, shows the exports of produce from the city of San Jose for the year 1892. These 
shipments all went out of the State and were from but one of the numerous stations in the county : 



Canned Fruit 21,129,145 Pounds 

Green Fruit 15,808,565 

Dried Prunes 17,781,060 

Dried Peaches 1,033,050 

Dried Pears 392,085 

Dried Plums 81,395 

Dried Apricots 2,574,365 

Dried Grapes and Raisins 142,355 

Wine and Brandv 6,176,295 

Garden Seed 574,300 

Leather 655,670 



Quicksilver 574,730 Pounds 

Bituminous Rock 4.368,785 

Potatoes 4,004,040 

Hops 277,945 

Beans 48,150 

Almonds 20,000 

Beer , 224,970 

Wool 61,275 

Horses '. 20,000 

Powder 1,062,590 

Mustard Seed 21,715 



There was also shipped from San Jose to points within the State: 



Fruit and Fruit Products 9,078,297 Pounds 

Wine and Brandy 2,224,650 Pounds 



Wine and brandy will run about ten pounds to the gallon including cooperage and other tare, 
the amount of this product shipped from the county about 840,000 gallons. 



This would make 



( 



t 







VIEWS IN PUBLIC PARKS AND OAK HILL CEMETERY. 



COUNTY FINANCES AND inPROVEHENTS. 

HE natural advantages of Santa Clara County, and the efforts of its citizens for their development, have been 
earnestly and intelligently seconded by its public officers. The numerous and magnificent public roads, the 
public buildings, the eleemosynary institutions, the high standard of its public schools, attest a liberal and 
intelligent administration of county affairs. Probably no count}- in the Union can show mere substantial results 
for the money collected and expended for public purposes. The following table will show the valuation of 
property made by the County Assessor for each year for the last ten years, together with the rate of tax levy for 
county purposes, and the amount of revenue produced therefrom : 

YEAR. VALUATION. RATE PER $100. AMOUNT RAISED. 

1883 $31,096,749 95.3 cts $412,554.11 

1884 34,949,620 74.8 " 384,376.83 

1885 38,619,253 65.6 " 428,941.74 

1886 39,556,038 64. " 434,409.12 

1887 43,513,521 59.2 " 475,630.16 

1888 52,659,849 54.6 " 505,155.23 

1889 53,112,661 72.8 " 711,431.57 

1890 52,265,13 7 72. " 620,265.37 

1891 54,124,708 75.4 " 588,736.60 

1892 54,812,087 71.6 " 567,525.32 

No tax is levied for road purposes on property within the limits of incorporated towns. The rate given above 
is for all count}' purposes. In cities and towns the rate was about 30c less on each $100 valuation. It will be 
seen that the taxable value of property has increased during the last ten years at the rate of about two millions 
of dollars per year. It will also be seen that the increase has not been spasmodic, but regular and strictly in 
keeping with the idea of steady prosperity. The office of County Assessor has been held by the same person 
during the period covered by the statement and the variations in valuation are not caused by a difference of 
opinion between different officers. The delinquent tax list has amounted to but a few hundred dollars and this 
has been on property assessed to unknown owners or to which the ownership was in dispute. The rate of 
taxation in Santa Clara County is, practically, the lowest in the State. The county has no floating indebtedness, 
the law requiring that no expense shall be incurred in any year in excess of the revenue provided for that year. 
The bonded debt is $212,000 and bears an average annual interest of 4M> per cent. For the payment of this debt 
a sinking fund has been provided and the debt will be entirely extinguished in a very short time, with no addition 




GLIMPSES OF ORCHARDS. 



to the rate of taxation. Ten years ago the bonded debt amounted to half a million of dollars. It was incurred 
in the early davs and was, chiefly, to aid in the construction of railroads. It then bore an average rate of interest 
of about seven per cent. The fact that the debt has been so greatly reduced in so short a time, and the greatly 
decreased rate of interest at which the refunding bonds have been issued, is a striking proof of the prosperity of 
the county and the high character of its credit in financial circles. The public buildings owned by the county are 
valued at about three quarters of a million of dollars. The most prominent among them are the Court House, 
the Jail, the Hall of Records (which is a beautiful granite building just erected and which, with its furniture, will 
have cost about $300,000 a County Hospital and a County Almshouse. The aggregate amount of public 
property owned by the county will approximate in value $1,200,000. 

COUNTRY ROADS. 

'HE public highways of Santa Clara County are the pride of the citizens and the admiration of visitors. 
Through the valley the}' are level, and free from dust in the summer and from mud in the winter. In 
the mountains they are constructed on the best system of engineering and have no very steep grades. In 
this countrv there is no frost to disturb the foundation while the best of material for construction is abundant 
and of convenient access. During the summer season the main roads are sprinkled and kept solidly packed 
rendering them not only easy for the passage of vehicles, but pleasant for travellers. The result is a system of 
public highways over which there is no difficulty in hauling the heaviest loads at any season of the year. The 
annual expenditure for road purposes is, in round numbers, $100,000. There are seventeen road districts in the 
count}- and the money raised for road purposes is expended within the district from which it is collected. The 
roads vary in width from forty to a rmndred feet, the minimum being fixed by law. There are many beautiful 
avenues which will be more particularly described in their special departments. In pursuance of the policy of 
sprinkling the public highways the count}' has acquired numerous water stations including water and machinery 
and apparatus for raising, storing and applying it to the roads. The expense of nearly all this property has been 
paid out of the annual revenue for road purposes and is included in the amount given above. The roads are 
all named and provided with substantial bridges at creek and river crossings. The thickly settled condition of 



( 




VIEW OF SAN JOSE FROM ELECTRIC TOWER— LOOKING NORTH. 



the country districts has caused the opening" of so many public highways that, in many localities, they are nearly 

as numerous as the streets in a city. The system on which the public highwa3's are constructed and maintained (' 

will be more readily understood from the amount and character of the expenditures for that purpose. Following 

is a statement covering six months ending December 31, 1892. The last six months of the year is chosen for 

the reason that, during that period, the largest portion of the annual expenses for sprinkling is incurred. The 

item given as "damages" is monej^ paid for land used in opening new roads: Labor, $36,874.60; Implements, 

repairs, etc., $1,933.40; Supplies, $2,912.10; Sprinkling $12,117.40; Lumber, $3,112.15; Surveying, $768.65; 

Viewing, $129.00; Gravel, $801,90; Water, $2,433.20; Damages, $2,274.90; Bridge Work, $1,151.55. While 

the matter of countr\ r roads is a serious and pressing problem in other communities, it has been fullv and 

satisfactorily solved here. It is no exaggeration to say that no county in the Union has better and, it is doubtful, 

if any has as good roads as Santa Clara County. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

\ 

TiERE are eight\ r -eight school districts in the county employing 220 teachers. There are three High schools, 
one hundred and six Grammar schools, one hundred Primary schools, besides Kindergartens. The average 
salaries paid teachers is $99.21 for males and $66.51 for females. Each district is provided with a comfortable 
building fitted up with all the modern and most approved educational appliances. These buildings have been 
erected at a cost of from $2,000 to $20,000. Some of the more thickly populated districts have several buildings 
and the people keep a vigilant watch that the facilities for popular education are not abridged for want of funds. 
The value of the propert} r belonging to the public schools of Santa Clara County is $525,000 and the annual 
expenditures for school purposes is $210,000. This does not include the amount collected for this purpose in 
incorporated cities and towns. In most of the districts school is maintained during ten months of the year. Besides 
the money provided by the State and Count}'- for the maintenance of the public schools, those institutions located 
within the limits of incorporated cities and towns receive additional and substantial support from the several 
municipalities. . 




VIEW OF SAN JOSE FROM ELECTRIC TOWER— LOOKING SOUTH. 



The State Normal School is located at San Jose and occupies a magnificent building with annex, in the 
center of Washington Square, a tract of 25 acres in the heart of the city. It is provided with a faculty of ^ 

exceptional ability, and the training of the students is of the most rigid character. It is sought by candidates for 
the profession of pedagogy from all portions of the State and, at the end of the course, only the fittest survive. 

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. 

WHILE so much has been done for the common schools, the cause of the higher education has not by any means 
been neglected. There are, within the limits of the county, a number of institutions that have achieved a 
national reputation. 

The Lelaxd Stanford Jr. University, endowed by the late Senator Stanford with property valued at 
more than $20,000,000, and which will receive an additional endowment of $5,000,000 in money from the estate 
of its founder, is situated in Santa Clara County. A description of this great institution would be a work of 
supererogation. Its fame has spread to every civilized communit}', and its great objects and proposed methods 
are familiar to all who are interested in the purposes for which it was created. No information that could r 

be given in these circumscribed pages would add anything to the knowledge of those to whom this book will go. It 
is a universitv in the broadest meaning of the term. Its curriculum comprises every branch of study from the classics 
to the liberal and mechanical arts. Its endowment is equal to am r financial emergencv and the intelligence and zeal 
of its trustees and faculty is fully as great as its financial resources. It is situated within easy distance from every 
district in Santa Clara County and there is scarcelv a neighborhood in which the student cannot attend the 
university and live at home. The present and projected facilities for transportation are such that this institution 
will, within the next few months, be convenient to every homestead in the county. 

Saxta Clara College, situated at the town of Santa Clara, is a Catholic institution under the management 
of the Fathers of the Societv of Jesus. It was incorporated in 1851 and was empowered to confer degrees in 1855- 
Its course is complete and thorough and among its alumni are many of the most prominent men in the State. 

The Uxiversity of the Pacific is under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It occupies 
extensive buildings placed in the midst of a spacious campus about midwa}^ between the City of San Jose and the 




FIRST STREET, SAN JOSE— LOOKING SOUTH FROM CENTER OF CITY. 



town of Santa Clara. It was established in 1851 and bears a high repute for efficiency. It has a large patronage 
both from California and adjoining States. One of its prominent features is its Conservatory of Music for which 
a large and convenient building has been especially constructed. 

The College of Notre Dame is also a pioneer institution. It is under the management of the Sisters of 
Xotre Dame and is devoted to the education and training of young ladies. It occupies a large tract of ground in 
the heart ot the City of San Jose and has erected for its use spacious and beautiful structures. 

In addition to these institutions there are numerous private schools for special instruction. There are 
Commercial and Business Colleges, schools of Art and Design, Mechanical schools and other institutions of similar 
character, affording ample opportunities for thorough instruction in all branches. The ablest instructors that can 
be procured are employed in these establishments and their efficiency is everywhere acknowledged. 

THE LICK OBSERVATORY. * 

HE observator\- founded by James Lick, with its great 36-inch telescope, is situated in Santa Clara County. * 

It is, in a direct line, eighteen miles from San Jose, although the road that leads to it is twenty-eight miles 
long. This road was built by the count}' at an expense of $80,000 and is said by travellers to be the most 
beautiful and attractive mountain drive in the world. Quoting from Judge Belden's description: "It connects 
with the Alum Rock Avenue, about four miles from San Jose, and from this point is carried up the western slope 
of the hill. As the road ascends, the valley comes into view, each turn disclosing some new charm. Seven miles 
of this, and the road passes to the eastern side, and the valley is no longer in sight. But with this change comes 
a new attraction. You are now in the mountains and deep gorges upon the one hand, and the steep hillside upon 
the other, make the landscape; again, and the road is traversing valleys gorgeous with wild flowers, or rolling" 
hills dotted with stately oaks. Ten miles of this and Smith Creek is reached. Near as the summit appears from 
this point, there is yet fifteen hundred feet of sheer ascent, and the road winds three times round the peak and is 
seven miles long in ascending it. As the summit is approached the valley unrolls before you like a vast panorama, 
and the picture that was left behind is again in view until, at last, at an elevation of 4,440 feet, you are at the 
observatory. From here the view is grand and impressive. At your feet, dotted with villages, and rimmed in with 



< 




BUSINESS STREETS IN SAN JOSE. 



a cordon of protecting hills, sleeps the valley in all its loveliness and, beside it, the Bay of San Francisco flecked 
with the sails of commerce. To the east, the snow clad peaks of the Sierras bound the distant horizon, while 
south, the valley stretches away until hidden by the mistv hills. Upon the west ai'e the forest slopes of the Santa 
Cruz mountains, with lakes and reservoirs that gleam in the sunlight like burnished silver. North, if the day is 
clear, you are pointed to a dim shadow, scarce outlined on the distant sky, and as vou strive to fix the wavering, 
doubtful image, you are told that this is Shasta which, four hundred miles distant and 14,400 feet high, is 
enthroned in undisputed majesty over the great valley. As vou note this horizon stretching away on every hand, 
you can readily accept the statement of Professor Whitney, that from the summit of this mountain, more of the 
earth's surface is visible than from any other known point on the globe; and the blue sky and translucent 
atmosphere attest the assertion that there are here twice the number of nights that are favorable to observations 
that is anywhere else to be found." Mr. Lick's deed for this magnificent tribute to science was executed in 
January, 1873. The contract for the great lens was made in 1880, but it was not until 1886 that the glass 
arrived at Alt. Hamilton. Mr. Lick's donation to the observatory was $700,000. The result which he anticipated 
has been fully realized. During the comparatively short time in which the glass has been in position it has wrenched 
much additional and valuable information from the heavens, and has solved many astronomical problems. In 
the central pier which supports the great telescope, is the tomb of the great founder. Two nights each week are 
devoted to the entertainment of visitors and ample and convenient transportation for travellers is at hand in San Jose. 

SPORTSHEN AND PLEASURE SEEKERS. 

WITHIN the limits of Santa Clara County are ample fields for the sportsman. The hills abound with a 
large variety of game from the versatile quail to the stately deer. The mountain streams abound with the 
gamey trout and furnish excellent sport for the angler. Ducks and geese are found in immense flocks along 
the lowlands adjoining the bay. All game is protected by law during" the close season. The number of beautiful 
camping grounds among the hills is countless, and they are the resort of multitudes seeking rest from the fatigue and 
worry of business. There being no rain during the summer months these families of happy campers can live in 
the open air with none of the discomforts incident to out door life in the eastern states. In beautiful nooks 



I 



A 




A 






CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 



in the hills, on either side of the valley, hotels have been built, where guests are welcomed with all the comforts 

of home, and where invalids and those who are averse to "camping out" can enjoy the invigorating air and ( 

magnificent scenery. Two lines of railroad connect San Jose with the seashore, which is but two hours distant. All 

along the beach permanent camps, partaking of the nature of towns, have been established. These seaside resorts 

furnish excellent facilities for surf bathing and sea fishing. While many of the people of San Jose avail themselves 

of the opportunities which lie so convenientlv for them, and spend one or more months each summer at these 

resorts, or in camping out, the hotels in the city are filled with visitors from all parts of the State who look 

upon Sax Jose as possessing the ideal summer climate. As the summer passes, and the autumn glides into winter, 

these visitors give way to others from other states, who find in our mild and refreshing winters a relief from the 

snow and ice and sleet which makes life a burden to the people east of the mountains. 

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 

UCH a thing as poverty is unknown in Santa Clara County. Occasionally a mendicant appears, but this 
class is made up of strangers from other sections of the country. For its own citizens who, through 
misfortune, are unable to earn a livelihood, the countv makes ample provision. The Almshouse is commodious 
and has attached to it a large and fertile tract of land the products of which go far toward maintaining the 
institution. The County Hospital is devoted to the care of indigent sick and infirm and is provided with all the 
appliances necessary for an institution of that character. It is presided over by a competent phvsician and 
experienced nurses and employes are in everv department. Besides these county institutions there are numerous 
benevolent enterprises of a quasi public character. There is an Orphans' Home tinder the control of the Ladies' 
Benevolent Society. It owns a fine tract of land and comfortable buildings and has a revenue derived from a 
donation of $25,000 from the estate of James Lick. A Home for the widows and orphans of Union Soldiers is 
located at Evergreen. The Pratt Home is devoted to the care of aged women, orphans, and children whose 
mothers earn their subsistence by work during the day. There are numerous other enterprises calculated to 
relieve the distress of suffering humanity. ( 




An Exhibit of Prunes. 

Picking Apricots. 



FRUIT DRYING. 
10.000 Trays of Prunes. 



A Cluster of Pears. 
In an Orange Orchard. 



&W (sty 0^ &&W AWrt. 

AX JOSE is the Count}- seat of Santa Clara County, and is a fitting jewel in the center of a regal crown. 
Its first settlement was under the Spanish government in 1782, at which time it was formally declared to 
be a "pueblo" and allotments of land were made to the settlers under the Spanish colonial system. It had 
the usual experience of outlying provinces and continued a dreamy existence until after the close of the war with 
Mexico when, by the terms of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Alta California was ceded to the United States. 
Under the American occupation, the fertility of the soil of the surrounding valley, and the delicious climate, 
attracted manv settlers and the town flourished. The rush of immigration of early days, however, went to the 
newly discovered gold mines in other portions of the State. As the gold fever abated, the population of the 
town gradually increased and it was early known as a "substantial" place. Up to 1869 it shared, in common 
with the other portions of the State, the disadvantage of remoteness from populous communities. The long and 
wearisome, and frequently dangerous, journey over mountain and desert and plain had a deterrent influence on 
immigration that the reports of our natural advantages could hardly overcome. In 1869 the disability was in a 
manner removed by the completion of the overland railroad. In that year the voting population of the County 
was 3,099 of which a little over one third was in San Jose. From that time the growth of the city has been 
as rapid as was consistent with solid prosperit}'. The last census reports a population of 48,005 in the County 
and 18,000 in the city, being an increase of about 43 per cent in ten years. All around the city limits the 
suburbs are as densely settled as in the city proper so that the city can justly claim, for practical purposes, a 
population of at least 30,000. 




CITY HALL, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



STREETS AND SIDEWALKS. 

i HE city has 120 miles of improved streets and 240 miles of sidewalks. The streets are from 80 to 100 feet 
wide and the sidewalks from 16 to 20 feet wide. All the streets are laid out at right angles and the 
building spaces are conveniently numbered. No expense has been spared in the improvement of the public 
thoroughfares. All modern suggestions that show merit have been tested, and a system has been finally adopted 
that seems as near perfection as human skill can attain. The method of construction on which the municipality 
has finally settled, is a substantial subway of concrete covered with petroleum rock melted and applied so as to 
make a surface as level as a floor and almost as elastic as gutta-percha. All the material for street improvement 
is of convenient access to the city. Thus improved the roadway is noiseless and, as the wear is principally from 
compression and not from abrasion, it is practically indestructible. Very many of the streets of San Jose are thus 
constructed and the system is being rapidly extended to the whole city. Of the 240 miles of sidewalks, 200 
miles are improved in an equally permanent and convenient manner. Many of them are constructed of stone and 
others after the manner of the street improvement above described. Thus the streets and sidewalks of San Jose 
are free from mud in the wettest of seasons. The sidewalks are generally bordered with shade trees, palms and 
other ornamental trees, and grass plots, conducing greatly to the comfort of the citizens and producing an effect 
that has given to San Jose the name of the "Garden City." 

SEWERAGE SYSTEM. 

>0 city on the Pacific Coast possesses a better natural drainage than San Jose, and there is no city in which 
the natural advantages have been so well improved. The city has forty miles of main and branch sewers 
already constructed, and more are being built as necessity demands. The outlet for the system is at tide 
water on the San Francisco Bay and the fall is a little over ten feet to the mile. The distance from the outlet 
to the nearest point on the city limits is about four miles. The principal drainway is through the center of the 
citv. It is thirtv feet below the surface and is built of brick. Within the city limits it is of an oval shape with 
an aperture three feet wide by four feet and a half high. Outside the citv it is of circular form with an aperture 
five feet in diameter. Subsidiarv brick sewers with an aperture of 25 inches by 42 inches encircle the city, on 




( 




STATE NORMAL SCHOOL AND ANNEX, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



both sides, emptying into the main drain just outside the city limits on the north. With these, branch sewers 
constructed of vitrified stone, and running along the center of each street, are connected. There is a city ordinance 
requiring every property owner to connect his premises with the public sewer system, and this rule is rigidly 
enforced. The result is almost absolute freedom from malarial and other diseases incident to imperfect drainage. 

PUBLIC PARKS AND SQUARES. 

AX JOSE has no lack of public resorts and recreation grounds. The genial climate tempts the people to 
the open air during everv month in the year and, early in the history of the citv, provision was made for 
places of resort where the people could enjoy the invigorating atmosphere in comparative seclusion. 

Saint James Square occupies four blocks in the center of the city and opposite the Court House and Hall ot 
Records. It is beautifully improved and contains many rare trees and shrubs and flowers. The trees have grown 
into a forest and attractive walks wind their course under magnificent foliage. A large fountain and basin occupies 
the center and the street margin of the grounds is bordered with magnificent palms. Comfortable seats are 
placed at convenient intervals and a splendid band of thirty pieces furnishes a concert three evenings in each week. 

Washington Square is a tract of 25 acres also near the center of the city. It was given to the State as a 
site ior the State Normal School, which institution occupies the center of the tract and a description of which 
has been given in the preceding pages. The grounds are well improved and are open to the public. 

The city also owns a tract of 400 acres situated in a romantic canyon seven miles east of the city. Leading 
to it is a magnificent avenue, a hundred feet wide and macadamized, sprinkled and beautifully shaded. A motor 
road also connects this beautiful resort with the city, and trains are run at short intervals and with rate so 
low as to bring a ride into the mountains within the reach of the humblest citizen. This natural park is composed 
of magnificent hillsides covered with all of the numerous varieties of trees and shrubbery indigenous to the soil. 
Lying in the embrace of these romantic hills is a large tract of level ground through which a beautiful mountain 
stream is precipitated. This stream leaps down into the park, at its eastern boundary, making a sheer descent 
of thirty feet, and thence, pursuing its course boisterously through the canyon flows gently across the valley on 
its way to the sea. Grouped in the canvon are numerous mineral springs of all degrees ot temperature. There 



) 



<^£R cED Counts 




arc springs of sulphur, soda, magnesia, iron, and springs made up of a combination of all these elements. The city 
has done much toward the improvement of this park and has made arrangements to do much more. A comfortable 
hotel lias been erected and a commodious bath house, supplied with hot and cold water from the mineral springs 
above mentioned is in operation. A swimming bath has been constructed and beautiful drives laid out in every 
direction. The park is free to all the people of San Jose and is greatly frequented by persons in search of recrea- 
tion or health. The ease with which the park can be reached, and the advantages it possesses, both as a sani- 
tarium and for recreation, makes it a favorite resort at all seasons of the year. 

WATER SUPPLY. 

TiE water supply of San Jose is drawn from the crystal streams and limpid fountains of the Santa Cruz 
mountains, and is bright, sparkling and pure. In different places in the hills, storage reservoirs have been 
constructed of a capacitv sufficient for all the necessities of the city. These reservoirs are from ten to 
fifteen miles distant from San Jose and are at a sufficient altitude to insure all the pressure that is needed. The 
water svstem is owned by an incorporated company and its rates are subject to control by the city. The popular 
ieeling is, however, that the city should be the absolute owner of its water supply and there is every reason to 
believe that this object will be accomplished within a reasonable time. The supply, under the present system, has 
been ample for all requirements and the resources in this direction seem capable of keeping pace with the growth 
ot the city for many vears to come. But, should it ever happen that the streams of the Santa Cruz mountains 
shoukd not be sufficient, there is an inexhaustible supplv in the hills that border the eastern side of the valley, and 
which can be made available at comparatively little expense. However, the citizens of San Jose are not compelled 
to rely on the public svstem for their supplv of water. The city is in what is known as the "artesian belt" and. 
pure water from the bowels of the earth can be obtained in unlimited quantities and at little expense. The 
subterranean streams seem to be inexhaustible and, when called upon, yield a response that is more than 
satisfactory. In many instances the flow from these wells is of sufficient force to project a stream through an 
inch and a quarter pipe to a height of fifteen feet. At any point in the city, or lower portion of the valley, these 
wells can be obtained at a depth of from 100 to 500 feet. 




SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CAL. 



TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. 

AX JOSE possesses ample conveniences both for travel and for the transportation of the products of the 
count}- and the reception of supplies. Its railroad connections will be seen by a reference to the map on 
another page. Three lines connect the city with San Francisco, over which twenty -three trains are run each 
day. A line runs to the sea coast at Santa. Cruz, and a line south, connecting with the southern portion of the 
State. This southern line will, in less than a year, be the route over which the regular overland trains through 
this State will be run. This result is only waiting the completion of the tunnel at the Santa Margarita Gap, in 
Santa Barbara County, on which work is being pressed with vigor. The fast trains which are run between San 
Jose and San Francisco, and which occupy only about an hour in transit, enables the business men of that city 
to make their homes in this County. Many of them have built beautiful residences in San Jose and at different 
points along the line of the road, and a home in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley is rapidly becoming an object 
of ambition on the part of the people of San Francisco. Inside the County the stations on the railroads are 
frequent; and this, together with the magnificent condition of the country roads during the entire year, renders 
the transportation of the products of the County speedy and convenient. San Jose is what is known as a 
"common point," that is, a point from which freight can be shipped to an y place on the American continent, 
which has railroad connection, without change of cars. 

STREET AND LOCAL RAILROADS. 

r X the rrlatter of intermural transit, San Jose has ample facilities. Two lines of electric railway traverse the 
^ center of the city, one from north to south and the other from east to west. The former is continued two 
and a half miles from the southern city limits to the Oak Hill cemetery ; the latter is continued west and 
northerW three miles to the town of Santa Clara. Other independent and connecting lines occupy the principal 
streets making rapid and convenient transit between all portions of the city. The cars are of approved modern 
construction and have all appliances for safety or comfort. Franchises have been granted for lines of electric 
roads parallel with the public highways and extending in different directions to the country districts and the rich 
fruit growing sections on either side of the valley. It is expected that many of these will be completed and in 




GROUP OF SAN JOSE HOMES, 



operation within the next eighteen months. When this is accomplished the entire production of the county will 
be marketed in San Jose. This production is of immense proportions, the fruit crop alone aggregating an annual 
value of more than Five Millions of Dollars. 

WATER TRANSPORTATION. 

/i^S will be seen on the map, the Bay of San Francisco penetrates the northern boundary of the County. It is 
\ navigable for smaller vessels as far as the town of Alviso. The expenditure of a comparatively small 
amount of money would make the harbor cnnvenient to vessels of the largest size. This fact has been 
demonstrated by government surveys. That the work will be accomplished in the near future does not admit of 
a doubt. When completed San Jose will become an important seaport and this importance will be enormously 
increased by the completion of the Nicaragua canal. It will furnish an inlet and outlet for the commerce, not 
only of Santa Clara Count}-, but for the great country lying south and on either side. It will enable the people 
of San Jose to obtain still cheaper fuel for manufacturing enterprises and make it the chief point on the coast for 
industrial enterprises. As vet, no concerted movement has been made to obtain government aid for this work. 
That the government will see the advantage of improving this harbor, when the matter is properly presented, 
there is no doubt. But even as a private enterprise, conducted by private capital, it cannot fail to recommend 
itself to the consideration of people of practical intelligence. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

y^NEFEREXCE to the schools of San Jose has been incidentally made in a foregoing page while speaking of 
I ][ the public school system of the County. Something more than this is demanded in order that strangers 
<• may get a true idea of the care and expense that is exercised toward perfecting the educational facilities 
of the city. For many years San Jose has been known as an educational center. This reputation was a 
considerable factor in selecting a location for the State Normal School. The public schools are under the control 
of a Board of Education composed of eight members, four of whom are elected each vear. The course of studv 
begins with the Kindergarten and goes up through primary and grammar grades and ends with the High School. 




Pratt //om(. 



BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 



The hill course occupies eight years. Pupils who have successfully completed the High School course are ready to 
enter the University of California, the public school system contemplating a full university course. As to the 
efficiency of the training, it is a matter of common repute that the graduates from the High School of San Jose * 

stand at the head of all the classes in the annual examinations for admission to the University. The city has six 
main school buildings varying in cost from $12,000 to $25,000. It has three kindergarten buildings and has 
accepted plans for a Central High School building to cost $75,000. The buildings are fitted up in accordance with 
the most approved plans and are supplied with all the apparatus recommended by skill and experience in the 
educational profession. There are 84 teachers regularly employed in the department and to whom are paid 
salaries sufficient to secure the best services obtainable. In addition to the public schools there are numerous 
private institutions of learning, some with a general course of study and some devoted to specialties. There are 
two commercial and business colleges each with a large attendance, and fully equipped for the business in all its 
departments. There is an Art school and School of Design under the management of the San Jose Art Association 
and which expects soon to erect a noble building to be used as an Art Gallery and School of Instruction. St. 
Joseph's Day School is a Catholic institution for boys and occupies an imposing edifice in the center of the city. 
There are private academies for the training of both ladies and gentlemen, and a night school is maintained by t 

the city six months in the year. The superior educational facilities offered by San Jose has attracted to that city 
people of culture and refinement from all parts of the country, and thus the community possesses exceptional 
social advantages. In this chapter it is proper to notice the Free Public Library maintained by the city and 
managed by a Board of Trustees elected by the people. It contains many thousand volumes of carefully selected 
books, besides all the leading newspapers and periodicals of the day. It occupies spacious apartments in the 
City Hall, but a building for its exclusive use is about to be erected. 

PUBLIC LIGHTING SYSTEM. 

iLECTRICITY and gas are used for public and private lighting. For street purposes the system consists of 
an iron tower 200 feet high rising from the four corners at the intersection of Market and Santa Clara 
streets. At the summit are placed six arc lights of 4,000 candle power each. These lights are of sufficient 
power to send their rays to the outside city limits and to furnish sufficient illumination for the suburbs. Except 





£tfa.i/?n$ Crei% -foatf 



$ a r- <*. tejfa. flt/ert tcf 



COUNTRY ROADS AND METHODS OF SPRINKLING. 



where the rays are obstructed by the foliage, they furnish sufficient light for the highways at a distance of eight 
miles trom the city and, on the foothills, at a distance of twelve miles, the figures on the dial of a watch are 
distinctly visible. The tower is supplemented by eighty-foot masts on the principal streets each surmounted with 
a lamp of 6,000 candle power. Lamps of 4,000 candle power are suspended at a lower altitude at the intersection 
ot streets. In business houses and dwellings both arc and incandescent lamps are used. Gas is employed where 
the use of electricity would be inconvenient or impracticable. 

POSTAL FACILITIES. 

O^HE postal facilities of San Jose are fully equal to the other advantages possessed by the city. Seven mails 
\^^ arrive daily and are dispatched to principal points northward and as many south. In addition to these 
general mails there are mails almost every hour in the day from points inside the county. The city has the 
free deliver}- system and the service covers not only the territory within the city limits, but extends for some 
distance into the suburbs. In 1890 the government made an appropriation of $200,000 for the construction of 
a postoffice building in San Jose. The structure is now (August, 1893) well toward completion and will be 
ready for occupancy within the next six months. It is a massive building different from the usual style of 
government structures and harmonizes with the graceful architecture that characterizes the public and private 
buildings of the city. The business transacted at the postoffice is a fair indication of the importance of the 
community and, for this reason, a comparative statement of the transactions at the San Jose office is given: 
The statement covers the year ending March 31, 1890, and the year ending March 31, 1893. 

1890. 1893. 

Stamps Sold $33,055.22 $40,712.47. 

Box Rents 2,848.85 2,782.75. 

Special Deliver Messengers 150.32 238.96. 

Letter Carriers 10,469.81 13,937.27. 

Receipts of Office 35,904.07 43,495.22. 

The increase in the sale of stamps and in the deliveries by special messenger, indicate the growth of business in 
three years. But it should be taken into consideration that, during that time, a number of new offices have been 
created in territory formerly tributary to the San Jose office. This has diverted much business from the latter. 
For this reason it is impossible to make an estimate that would be absolutely accurate; but it would not be an 
exaggeration to say that the business of the San Jose postoffice has gained 35 per cent in the last three years. 



( 




CHURCH BUILDINGS, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 

AX JOSE has seven banks all of which are on a solid basis. Their methods of business are strictly legitimate 
and the people have the utmost confidence in their stability. The aggregate paid up capital is $1,450,000; 
Surplus, $627,036; Deposits, $2,488,391. The transactions by the San Jose banks represent many millions 
ol dollars annually. The great value of the fruit crop and the money required to harvest, pack and get it 
to market, calls for the use of enormous sums of money. The necessities of the community in this regard have 
been promptly met and, to the efficient aid, promptly rendered, by the monetary institutions of San Jose, much 
of the success of this great industry is due. They have correspondents in all the important cities of the world 
and their patrons can transact business at any point through their agency. They have a high reputation in the 
money centers of the United States and Europe. 

THE COST OF LIVING. 

l HE cost of living in San Jose is just about what a person desires to expend. But it is a safe statement that / 

there is no place in America where one can live so well at less cost. Good hotels, boarding houses and 
restaurants abound and prices vary with the character of the accommodations. The leading hotel of the 
city is "The Vendome," a magnificent establishment that will compare favorably with any hotel in the Union. 
It is situated on a tract of eleven acres which is covered with beautiful trees, spreading lawns and magnificent 
gardens. Its equipment and management is in keeping with its external appearance. It was built five years ago 
by a syndicate of citizens for the purpose of meeting the demand of the tourist travel. It is the resort of visitors- 
from all parts of the world both in summer and winter. There are numerous other hotels well kept and convenient. 
Many people board at restaurants at which good meals with wine can be had for 25c and upwards. Housekeepers- 
will find the prices of some articles greater than in some eastern communities, but, in way of compensation, they 
will find other articles so much cheaper that the aggregate of expenses will not be any greater. A larger propor- 
tion of the people of San Jose own their homes than in any other city of similar size in the Union. Those houses 
that are built for rent are of good architecture and convenient. Rent is reasonably low and other expenses are 
not out of proportion. Merchants purchase their goods at the factories and sell them at reasonable rates. ' 





J&M'fi6 ///If. 




IN THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS— SANTA CLARA COUNTY. 



NEWSPAPERS. 

AX JOSE has four daily newspapers which thoroughly cover the field of daily journalism. The "Mercury" 
(*"} is a morning paper issued seven days each week and is the leading interior journal of the State. It is an 
eight page paper of eight columns to the page and is ably conducted in all its departments. It prints the 
Associated Press dispatches and is delivered before breakfast over routes extending ten miles into the country. 
Its excellent delivery system is prominent among its many admirable features. It is published by C. M. Shortridge. 
"The Herald" is an evening paper published by the Herald Publishing Company. It is a folio of seven 
columns and has the Associated Press dispatches. J. F. Thompson is editor and H. H. Main is manager. It is 
ably conducted. 

The "Evening News" is an eight column folio and is published in the evening. It prints the dispatches of 
the United Press Association and makes a feature of the horticultural interests of the county. C. W. Williams 
is editor and proprietor. 

The "Daily Record" is also an evening paper published by the Record Publishing Company. It is devoted 
very largely to local news. It is a seven column folio. R. Salmon is its manager and B. K. T. Preston editor. 

Besides the daily press San Jose has nine weekly and five monthly newspapers and magazines devoted to 
news, literature, art and special subjects. All are ably conducted and stand high in journalistic circles and in 
general public estimation. 

CHURCHES. 

.EARLY every religious denomination of the civilized world is represented in San Jose. All seem to be in a 
flourishing condition and many of them have comfortable houses of worship. The Epworth League, the 
society of Christain Endeavor, and other auxiliary societies, have organizations in the city with large 
membership. The Young Men's Christian association is well equipped having a large edifice devoted to its work. 
The building contains a lecture and assembly hall a well appointed gymnasium, a library and reading room and 
all the other apartments necessary for efficient work. The Young Men's Institute is a Catholic Society and has 
man\- earnest members. This association is about to erect a magnificent building for its use. 





UNITED STATES POST-OFFICE BUILDING, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

l HE Western Union and the Postal telegraph companies both have offices in San Jose, and there is a telephone 

service connecting all portions of the cit}' and extending to San Francisco and other points. The Police 

force consists of twenty men and is amply sufficient for the protection of the city. The force is uniformed 

and has attached to it a mounted patrol and a police patrol wagon. There is a paid Fire Department fully 

equipped with the most approved steam engines and apparatus. In short, San Jose has all of the adjuncts 

necessary to a well governed city. 



U-ivfeyicu/ (ovfctfrV O&wcL cr 



Q\kTWy. 



s 



ESIDES San Jose, there are three incorporated cities and towns in Santa Clara Counter. All have important 
local interests, are -well governed and all have special advantages both for business and as places of 
residence. 

THE TOWN OF SANTA CLARA 



TS situated three miles north from San Jose on the main route to San Francisco. It is noted as being the site 

of the first white settlement in the county. The Mission of Santa Clara was established at this point in 

January 1777, and the cross raised by the Catholic Fathers still stands as a monument commemorating that 

event. A few years later the pueblo of San Jose was established and, to maintain communication between the 

Mission and the Pueblo, the Fathers laid out and constructed the famous "Alameda" or the "Beautiful Way." It 

is a magnificent avenue 150 feet wide and three miles long, beautifullv shaded and is bordered with mansions 








SCHOOL BUILDINGS, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



and handsome residences along its entire length. A double track electric railroad is in the center of the roadway, 
with ten minute intervals between cars each way. So thickly is the territory settled between Santa Clara and 
San Jose that it is difficult to determine by the eye the dividing line between the two municipalities. Santa Clara 
has a population of 2891 as reported by the census of 1890. But, like San Jose, it has densely settled suburbs 
and can justly claim a much larger number of inhabitants. It has broad and well improved streets, a very 
effective sewerage system and an abundant water supply. Its streets are lighted by gas and electricity and its 
public schools are of peculiar excellence. It is a favorite place of residence for students, and people doing business 
in San Francisco or San Jose. It has, tributary to it, a large and prosperous orchard district and its business 
interests are large and important. It has an excellent semi-weekly paper, the "Santa Clara Journal," ably edited 
and conducted, and which watches jealously over the interests of the community. 

LOS QATOS. 

'HE beautiful town of Los Gatos stands at the gate that opens down on to the valley from the western g t 

hills. It is at sufficient altitude to give an uninterrupted view of the "Garden of the World" of which itself 
is one of the chief attractions. It lies in what is called the "warm belt," a region where the climate is so 
mild and equable that vegetation does not halt in its growth during the entire year, and where fresh fruits and 
vegetables can be gathered nearly every day in the annual cycle. Its sanitary conditions are so perfect that it 
has attracted people from all portions of the country to make their homes in this delightful spot. The beautiful 
and healthful surroundings of Los Gatos induced the Fathers of the Society of Jesus to establish there their 
noble school and had a controlling influence in the location of the American Institute, an extensive hospital for 
the treatment of inebriacy and the diseases resulting therefrom. The material resources of the town are no less 
than its sanitary advantages. Situated in the heart of one of the most fertile foot-hill districts of the State, it 
is surrounded by fruitful orchards and vineyards and has become noted as a horticultural depot. In 1880 it had 
a population of 555. The census of 1890 reports the number of inhabitants as being 1652. The streets are 
broad and well improved. It has all the modern appliances for suppbying the people with light and water, and 
its opportunities for sewerage are unsurpassed. The Los Gatos creek, a beautiful and picturesque mountain 



) 




SCHOOL BUILDINGS, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



stream, flows through the center of the town. The* abundance of the purest water has induced the establishment 
of an ice factory of enormous proportions and which is put to its full capacity to supply the demand for its 
product from all portions of the State. It has two banks with resources equal to any emergency. The South 
Pacific Coast Railway connects it with San Francisco, which is only an hour and a half distant. Four trains 
run daily each way and the ease with which Los Gatos can be reached has made it a favorite place of residence 
for people whose business is in San Francisco or San Jose. Magnificent mansions flank the hillsides and beautiful 
homes are the rule. Between Los Gatos and San Jose, a distance of ten miles, the roads are kept in splendid 
condition being sprinkled in summer and so constructed as to be free from mud in the winter. And so are all 
the highways leading to or from Los Gatos. The town has magnificent school buildings and churches, and its 
people are noted for intelligence and hospitality. It is an ideal town and one that is advancing with giant strides. 
It has two newspapers the "News" and the "Mail," both conducted with marked ability. The California Grape- 
Food Compan}-, having for its object the manufacture of grape and fruit syrups, has located an extensive 
establishment at Los Gatos. 

GILROY. <} 

^T^HE city of Gilroy is situated in the southern portion of the County and commands the business of all that 
\&) section. It has a population of 1694. Its streets are laid out at right angles and are finely improved. It 
has an excellent system of public lighting and water supply. Its school buildings are large and equipped 
with all modern improvements. Its churches are commodious and its buildings, both public and private, are 
constructed with an eye to beauty as well as convenience. It has a bank that is fully competent to carry the 
enormous business of that community, and is on a financial basis so solid as to preclude doubt. The city is on 
the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad 30 miles from San Jose and 80 miles from San Francisco. It is 
at the junction of two branch lines, one of which connects with the sea coast and the other with the interior. 
It will be an important point on the transcontinental line when through trains begin running on the new route 
next year. The country surrounding Gilroy is very fertile and consists of a broad expanse of valle\ T which shades 
off into the foothills. Up to a very recent time all this country was held under one title, the occupants being- 
tenants in common. This prevented settlement and improvement; but the ranch has now been partitioned and 




HOTEL VENDOME, SAN JOSE, CAL. 



each settler's share set off to him in severalty. When this was accomplished both city and cotmtrv took on anew 
life and Gilroy has become a progressive community. It contains some of the best fruit land in the County and 
its dairy products have achieved a high reputation. The famous tobacco fields of San Felipe are in this community 
and yield a product equal to the Cuban fields. Owing to the unsettled condition of the title, as above referred 
to, the land has, up to a very recent day, been held in large tracts and its resources were practically undeveloped. 
But it is different now. The large grain fields are giving place to the smaller orchards and the results already 
achieved in this direction show that horticulture, in its most successful development, is the destiny of this fertile 
section. Gilroy has two newspapers, the "Advocate" and the "Gazette," both ably conducted and prosperous. 
They are devoted to the interests of that community and are full of information as to its achievements and 
possibilities. 



W: 



UNINCORPORATED TOWNS. 

UMEROUS villiages and towns -without independent municipal government are located throughout the 

County where business or social advantages demand. Generally they are ideal places of residence and, in 

many instances have a great volume oi business. 

Alviso is in the northern part of the County, on an arm of San Francisco Bay. Formerly it was a port of 

entry and, when the improvement of the harbor is consummated, will become an important seaport. It is on the 

S. P. C. Railway and is the principal point for the shipment of small fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile 

lowlands. 

Alma is a village on the S. P. C. Railway three miles west of Los Gatos and is the nearest station to the 
oil wells of the Santa Cruz mountains. 

Campbell is situated five miles to the southwest of San Jose in the midst of the fruitful orchards of the 
west side. It is on the S. P. C. Railway and is growing rapidly. It is the center ol operations of the "Campbell 
Fruit Growers Union," a co-operative society that handles nearly all the enormous fruit crops grown in that 
section. The society owns extensive packing houses and drying grounds and, this season, (1893) will place on 
the market about Three Thousand Tons of fruit. The Ainsley cannery is located here. This institution packs 



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o/(c//fi^o Scene 




Sr/fAv/jf^ie; /2T- a Pi.wt 



SCENES AROUND LOS GATOS, SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CAL. 



exclusively for the London market and its products are of superior excellence. Being located within fifteen 

minutes ride from San Jose and an hour and a quarter from San Francisco, this beautiful and progressive town ( 

is rapidly achieving a popularity as a place of residence for people engaged in business in those cities. 

Cupertino is eight miles west of San Jose at the junction of two of the main thoroughfares of the County. 
It is surrounded with magnificent vineyards and fine orchards. It has extensive wineries whose product has 
achieved a high reputation. It is a thriving community. 

Milpitas is situated seven miles north of San Jose on the C. P. Railroad. Its name is Spanish and was 
acquired by reason of its genial climate and the fertile soil of the hills to the east. In these hills and small 
valleys green peas and new potatoes and other vegetables are sent to market in January and yield a large profit 
to the producers. In the valley, small fruits are grown in great quantities and large crops of hay and grain are 
obtained each year. The town is progressive. It has good church buildings and its educational advantages are 
unsurpassed in any town of its size. It is a prominent shipping point for all classes of agricultural and 
horticultural produce. 

New Almaden is in the hills 12 miles south of San Jose, with which it is connected by two lines of railroad. 
It is a mining town and was built up as an adjunct to the New Almaden Quicksilver mines. These mines are the 
richest on the American continent and second to none in the world except, perhaps, the quicksilver mines of old 
Almaden in Spain. 

Berryessa is 5 miles to the east and north of San Jose and is noted as being the center of the fruit interests 
of that section of the valley. The product of its orchards are famous both for quality and for quantity of 
production. It has a church, a fine school-house, a large cannery and a co-operative fruit association. 

Evergreen is 7 miles to the east and south of San Jose. It has excellent school facilities, a public assembly 
hall, and is surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The Home for the widows and orphans of Union soldiers is 
located at this place. 

Saratoga is located in the foothills 10 miles west of San Jose. It is noted for its beautiful location, its 
orchards and vineyards, and its mineral springs. It is a favorite summer resort. i 




GENERAL VIEW OF LOS GATOS. CAL. 



Hillsdale, Eden Vale, Coyote, Burnett, Madrone, Tennant, and Morgan Hill, are villages situated 
between San Jose and Gilroy, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, and do business in proportion to the extent f§ , 

and fertility of the surrounding country. 

Mountain View is on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 11 miles to the northwest of San Jose. The old town 
is on the stage road to San Francisco. When the railroad was constructed a new town was laid out about 
half a mile to the east of the old one. The growth and prosperity of the country has caused the subdivision of 
the territory between the two locations and now there is, practically, but one town. It is situated in the midst 
of a rich agricultural and horticultural section and is within easy reach of water transportation via San 
Francisco Bay. It has good church and school buildings, and an excellent newspaper ably edited and vigilant as 
to the interests of the community. 

Mayfield is on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 14 miles to the northwest of San Jose and near the Leland 
Stanford Jr. University and the Palo Alto Stock Farm. It is a growing town and rich in resources, both 
developed and undeveloped. Its public schools are excellent and its people progressive. Its business relations 
are extensive and important. Its interests are carefully watched over b\ r the "Palo Alto," a weekly paper ~£ 

that is fully up to date. 

Palo Alto is a new town laid out since the establishment of the Leland Stanford Jr. University. It is on 
the railroad at the point nearest that institution, and derives its importance mainly from that fact. 

Wrights' is a railroad town near the summit of the Santa Cruz mountains. It has, tributary to it, many of 
the mountain vineyards and orchards and does a large business in wood. 

Agnews. located 5 miles north of San Jose, is the site of the California State Hospital for the Insane. 

Lawrence is a station on the S. P. Railroad and has large fruit and vine interests. 



I 



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I 




SCENES IN AND AROUND LOS GATOS. CAL. 






""TRUIT growing is the dominant industry of Santa Clara County. This interest has been evolved in the 
« regular course of events. When the Catholic Fathers establshed the Missions in California, they planted 
around their habitations both orchards and vineyards. As the native races gave way to the Spaniard,, 
■small orchards and vinej'ards became more frequent adjuncts to the residences of the inhabitants. But 
horticulture, as an industry, was not even dreamed of in those da}'s. The whole interest of the Spaniard was- 
centered in his herds of cattle that roamed at will over plain and hillside, the pelts and tallow from which 
•constituted his sole articles of commerce. The advent of the American transformed these pastures into grain C 

fields, and the agricultural era begun. Years passed and people from the "States" came and population 
increased. But, with the exceptions of small family orchards and a few vines planted for home use, there was- 
nothing on the face of the country to indicate its horticultural destiny. Each new settler brought, or had sent 
to him, those varieties of fruit to which he was accustomed in his old home, and these, added to those 
planted b}' the Fathers, gave an infinite variety. In time it was discovered that the trees and vines grew and 
fruited to a degree beyond all experience in other climes. Then came a surplus of fruit and with this came the 
idea that it might have some commercial value. The surplus was placed on the market and brought such rich 
returns that many new orchards were planted and horticulture began to be a special occupation. But, as there- 
was at that time no outlet from the State for the increased production, and the population was too sparse to 
consume the crop, a sufficient market could not be found. For several seasons the largest portion of the product 
was permitted to waste. This period of overproduction gave the fruit industry a halt and extracted all the- 
horticultural enthusiasm from most of the people. Soon after the completion of the overland railroad, the first. -«v 



) 




BECKW1TH BLOCK, LOS GATOS— AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



cannerv was established in San Jose, and the people, seeing the prospect for a market, the interest in horticulture 
revived. The business of packing fruit for eastern consumers began to take on large proportions and the demand 
for orchard products induced the planting of more ground; but, mindful of the experience of former days, great 
caution was exercised and it was not until in the early eighties that the people became convinced that 
overproduction was an impossibility. As the quantity increased the demand kept pace and prices did not 
diminish. About 1888 a very gratifying discovery was made. Up to that time fruit dried in an evaporator 
commanded a much higher price than that cured in the sun. No machine that had been invented had sufficient 
capacity to handle the crop. All at once it was ascertained that fruit cured in the warm sunshine and pure 
atmosphere of Santa Clara County was greatly superior, both in flavor and appearance, to that cured by any 
other known process. It was ascertained that fruit dried in an evaporator, or b\ r the processes in use in France, 
being subjected to a high degree of artificial heat, was more or less cooked and lost much of its original flavor. 
On the other hand, by the sun process, as practiced b\ r the orchardists of Santa Clara County, the moisture was 
evaporated b\- the natural heat of the sun aided by an atmosphere void of humidity, and the result was fruit 
preserved in its own sugar and retaining its natural color and all its delicacy of flavor. 

VARIETIES OF FRUIT. 

k HERE seems to be no limit to the varieties of fruit that can be produced in Santa Clara County, but it is 
not the intention to go through the list in this work. The method of culture, and the expense and profit 
attending the growing of some of the standard varieties will only be presented. 

Oranges, Lemons and other citrus fruits do well and yield largely. Both climate and soil are well adapted 
both to growth and fruitage. But experience has demonstrated that there is not the profit in oranges and 
lemons that there is in deciduous fruits. In addition to the cost of cultivation, and the time spent in waiting 
for a crop, there is the added disadvantages of having to market the orange and the lemon as soon as they are 
matured and, incidentally, the additional cost for transportation. The deciduous fruit can be preserved and held 
for a market, can be shipped in less bulk and at lower charges, and can be sent by slow [freight or even by 
water if necessarv. The statistician of the State Board of Trade has given out figures that indicate that the 



(I 



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) 







f-ioijfif/isti View' 



TOWNS IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CAL. 



prime crop alone of Santa Clara County brings in, annually, nearly double as much money as the orange crop 

of the entire State. C 

In the standard fruits, the French Prune is the most popular. This popularity has been achieved by the 
fact that it is a heavy bearer, very sure in its crop, is more easily harvested and prepared for the market than 
any of the other fruits. In no place on the globe does this fruit grow to such perfection as in Santa Clara 
County. This is due. in some degree, to the peculiarity of climate. The French prune is averse both to extreme 
cold and extreme heat. In this valley it finds the exact temperature suited to its temperament. The average 
yield of prunes is about eight tons to the acre and the price for the fruit, green, runs from $25 to $60 per ton. 
The shrinkage in curing is about two and a half to one. Most of the orchardists cure their crops and thus get 
an additional profit. A good prune orchard will bring in a net annual income of $200 and upwards per acre. 

California has no competitor in the growing of the Apricot. No place has yet been discovered where this 
luscious fruit yields so largely or grows to such perfection as in this State. In Santa Clara County the trees 
begin to bear at the age of three years; but no considerable crop can be expected before five years. The yield 
per acre is about the same as of prunes, but it costs more to gather and cure the crop. While prunes are shaken 
from the tree or may be permitted to fall on the ground and remain several days before being gathered, the 
apricot must be picked by hand and will permit of no delay after it is ripe. The prune is simply dipped in a 
bath of hot lye, rinsed and placed on the drying tray; but the apricot must be cut in two, the pit extracted 
and the fruit exposed to sulphur fumes before being placed to the sun. The average } r ield from a good 
apricot orchard is from $200 to $400 per acre. 

Many countries produce Peaches, and no monopoly in the growing of this fruit is claimed for California. 
But it is claimed that no country produces such fine fruit, or so large a yield per tree. Peach trees in Santa 
Clara County get into good bearing at the age of 3 years and quite considerable crops have been gathered 
from two-year old trees. And there are many trees in the county over 35 years old which are still vigorous 
and yield large crops annually. While many countries grow peaches, none possess a climate for curing them 
equal to that of Santa Clara Count}'. Here there are no summer showers; for months the sky is cloudless 
and the regular and gentle breezes carry away the moisture as rapidly as it is evaporated. Fruit cured in 




Paid up Capital, $500,000. 



FIRST NATIONAL BANK, SAN JOSE, CAL. 

Surplus, $237,000. Deposits, $500,000. 



Pays no Interest on Deposits. 



the sun of Santa Clara County is, in fact, fruit preserved in its own sugar. The yield of a peach orchard is 
about the same as that from apricots, although each year shows some exceptional results. It is not phenomenal 
tor a vigorous orchard to yield a return of $500 per acre; but such large results are the exception and not the rule. 

The soil and climate of Santa Clara County is especially adapted to the growth and development of the 
Cherry. In no other community on the coast does it attain such a perfection of size and flavor, nor do 
the trees have such enormous bearing power. It is a crop that is more than ordinarily sure, and very 
remunerative. As much as $1200 per acre has been obtained and there are authenticated cases of much larger 
returns. One tree on the orchard of Mr. John Selby, 4 miles north of San Jose, produced this year, (1893) eight 
hundred pounds of fruit that was sold for $10. One acre of such trees would yield $4000. Cherry trees grow 
rapidly in nearly all parts of the valley; they bear no considerable crops until the eighth year. It requires some 
extra labor to pick and pack the crop, but the returns are proportionately large. Mr. Jacks, from his orchard 
2^2 miles southwest from San Jose, this year sold the crop on less than 4 acres of ground for $3300 dollars, the 
purchaser to take it on the trees. 

The Pear was one of the first fruits grown in Santa Clara County. It occupied a prominent position in the 
orchards of the Missions and in the family orchards that were planted afterwards. It was alwaj-s a favorite 
iruit and the orchards and nurseries of the world have been ransacked for choice varieties. More than a hundred 
different kinds are grown here, all of the highest degree of excellence. The trees fruit young and bear heavily. 
The luscious pears from the orchards of Santa Clara County first drew the attention of the people of the east 
to the wonderful horticultural possibilities of California. Some enormous returns are reported from the pear 
trees of this County. Nearly all the varieties are good shippers and the largest portion of the crop is sent to the 
eastern market in a fresh state. 

Although the Apples grown in Santa Clara County are of superior excellence and the trees bear heavy 
crops, this fruit is not grown as extensively as in former years. The people prefer to grow those fruits in which 
there is the least competition. The eastern states produce about all the apples that can be profitably marketed 
and, in this department, Santa Clara County does not propose to compete. 

Nut Bearing Trees grow luxuriantly and fruit heavily. There are large orchards of Almonds while the 



i 







^/-dcf/c/c C/m. 



SAN JOSE AND SANTA CLARA ELECTRIC RAILWAY. 



English Walnut appears on nearly every avenue and furnishes both fruit and shade to many homesteads. 
While there are hundreds of walnut trees in the County, no one as yet has made this branch of horticulture a 
specialty. The interval between planting and crop is too long and the people generally content themselves with 
growing only as much as they want for home consumption. 

Considerable attention has been lately given to the culture of the Olive, but the general interest in this 
industry is of too recent date to afford much valuable information. There are several old olive orchards in the 
County that offer some reliable statistics. Prominent among these is "El Quito," the product of which, both 
fruit and oil, excited so much admiration at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago. The trees grow 
vigorously and, where they have attained sufficient age, bear heavily. When the product of the new orchards 
gets on to the market we can speak more advisably as to the profit attending the industry. The revenue from 
trees already in bearing indicates results fully equal to those attained in other departments of horticulture. 

Of small fruits Santa Clara County produces an abundance. For many years her Strawberry Fields supplied 
the entire State with this luscious fruit and she continues to grow nine tenths of all that is produced in California. 
The strawberry fields are generalh^ in the lowlands adjoining San Francisco Bay and, in mam- instances are 
grown with a row of onions between each row of vines. Thus two profitable crops are produced at the same 
time. The fact has been spread to all parts of the United States that fresh strawberries can be gathered from the 
vines in Santa Clara County every month in the year. Blackberries and Raspberries are grown in large 
quantities, but being extra-perishable, they are sold principally at home and at San Francisco. 

It would require a large book for the enumeration of all the varieties of fruit grown in Santa Clara Count\- 
and for that reason we have given only a few of the standard varieties. No tree or vine has yet been planted in 
this fertile soil that has not grown vigorously and fruited abundantly. And there are very few, if any, fruits 
known to civilized man that have not been tried with gratifying results. 

GRAPES, RAISINS AND WINE. 

T X planting the old Mission orchards the Catholic Fathers did not neglect the grape. The vines cultivated by 

^ them are known as the "Mission" and, though sweet, palatable and heavy bearers, this grape is too heavy for a 

popular wine. But it accomplished a most important work. It served to demonstrate the fact that the vine 




DAILY NEWSPAPERS OF SAN JOSE. 



c 



would grow and bear fruit in California far beyond any result that could be obtained in any other section of 
the world. The German residents of Santa Clara County, as well as the French, the Spanish and the Italian, 
imported cuttings of the different varieties that were favorites in their respective districts in the old country. 
They were planted and the result was a growth and production far in excess of that in the countries from which 
they had been imported. As the industry grew, all the vine growing districts of Europe were searched for 
approved varieties and the markets of the world were studied with a view of getting that which was the best 
and most profitable. All of our more recent vineyards have been planted with the knowledge gained from the 
centuries of experience in wine growing in the old countries. The County is naturally divided into districts, each 
specially adapted to the production of certain types of wine. The vignerons have taken advantage of these 
peculiarities and have made their plantings accordingly. The result has been that Santa Clara County now 
produces almost exact counterparts of the cellars of Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhine provinces. Lately Mr. 
Paul Masson has introduced a new industry in the way of the manufacture of champagne, which has been 
pronounced b\^ experts to be fully up to the standard of foreign productions. Some fine raisins are produced in 
this County, but the climate is not sufficiently warm for the best results in this direction. The growing of table 
grapes for shipment to the eastern market is an industry of especial profit, and one to which the vinegrowers of 
the foothills and mountains are particularly devoted. The vines yield so enormously and hold their crop so late, 
that no other county can compete with them in this department of viticulture. The profits of wine growing 
are more variable than those of fruit growing, owing to the opportunities in the hands of dealers and brokers 
for manipulating the market. But the industr\r is much more profitable than growing wheat or corn in the 
western states, although the land here is worth from $100 to $300 dollars per acre. 

PRICE OF FRUIT LANDS AND WHAT THEY WILL PRODUCE. 

" T is difficult for strangers to understand the value of the fruit lands of Santa Clara County. Comparing the 
\ prices with those of the farming lands elsewhere, they think they are much to high. But investigation shows 
that, taking their producing qualities into consideration, they are much cheaper than the agricultural lands 
of the great west. For instance, take a western farm of 160 acres at $50 per acre, which would come to $8,000. * 




A GLIMPSE OF FORMER TIMES. 



Say that the farm yields an income of $5 per acre net, which is far in excess of the average yield. This would 
give him 10 per cent on the value of the land. Now take a ten acre orchard in Santa Clara County at a cost 
of $1,000 per acre, or an aggregate cost of $10,000. From this the income would be $200 per acre, or $2,000. 
This would be 20 per cent on the purchase price. Thus it will be seen that the same amount of money invested 
in fruit lands in Santa Clara County will return twice as much as in farming lands elsewhere. It will not buy so 
many acres, but it will yield double the income. In buying the vacant land and planting the orchard, the profit 
would be still larger. It has been demonstrated that the value of fruit lands in Santa Clara County will increase 
at the rate of $75 per acre each year, after they have been planted, for ten years. In addition to the money 
return it is worth a good deal to live in a climate where there are no extremes of cold or heat, where cattle can 
remain in the pasture all the year round, and where it is not necessary to work six months in the year to prevent 
starving and freezing during the other six months. But the lands in Santa Clara County are not all high priced, 
the range being from $50 to $400 per acre. Within these limits any person who desires to locate can find a place 
that will satisfy his financial ability. New tracts are being constantby subdivided and easy terms as to payments 
can be obtained. To plant and care for an orchard for the first year will cost about $30 per acre. The principal 
expense will be for trees and labor of planting. The second year the expense will be about $8 and about the 
same for the third year. In the fourth year the cost of pruning will have been increased and will continue to 
increase up to the seventh year when the orchard will be in full bearing. Then, the annual cost of care, exclusive 
of handling the crop will not to exceed $10 per acre. Some fruit will be obtained at the third year and the 
amount will increase up to the time the tree gets its growth. It will have full bearing capacity' at 7 years but 
the amount of fruit will increase with the size of the tree. It has been usual to plant trees 20 feet apart, which 
would give 108 to the acre. There are numerous nurseries at which trees can be obtained at prices varying from 
15c to 25c each, with a liberal discount on large quantities. 

It will be borne in mind that the orchards of Santa Clara County are not irrigated ; that the fruit is grown 
without artificial moisture. The character of the soil and the numerous subterranean streams renders unnecessary 
the great expense entailed on other localities in the way of irrigating ditches, water rights and cost of application. 
And the fact that our orchards are not irrigated adds much to the flavor of the product and to its curing qualities. t 



) 




Residence of GEO. Y. BOLLINGER. Sax Jose 

Residence of S. F. AYER, Milpitas 



Residence of H. WARD WRIGHT, Sax Jose 

Residence of JAMES A. CLAYTOX, San Jose 




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Residence of L. A. SP1TZER, Sax Jose 



RESIDENCE OF HON. JAS. W. REA, SANTA CLARA 



RESIDENCE OF C. C. MORSE. SANTA CLARA 

RESIDENCE OF B. GRISWOLD, SAN JOSE 











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SANTA CLARA COLLEGE, Santa Clara, Cal. 



EXTERIOR OF QUADRANGLE, LELAND STANFORD JR. UNIVERSITY. 



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LETITIA BUILDING, SAN JOSE, Owned by Hon. C. T Ryland 



RYLAND BLOCK, SAN JOSE, Owned by Hon. C. T. Ryland 
SAFE DEPOSIT BANK, SAN JOSE 




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CENTRAL AVENUE 

CAMPBELL AVENUE 



CAMPBELL, SANTA CLARA CO., CAL. 

CAMPBELL SCHOOL HOUSE 



A TOWN EMBOWERED IN ORCHARDS 
J. C. AINSLEY CANNERY 



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INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES. 

AXTA CLARA County has scarcely commenced to develop its industrial resources. The orchards and fruit packing establishments give 
employment to many thousand people, the majority of whom are women and children, but the manufacture of products for which the 
orchards furnish the raw material has scarcely begun. In this line there is ample opportunity for the investment of capital. The 
lumber interests of the County are large and employ much skilled labor. There ai - e woolen mills whose product has achieved the 
highest reputation wherever it has come into comparison with that of other institutions. There are several ice factories, agricultural 
implement factories, and extensive paper mills. In San Jose are the San Jose City Flouring Mills, a branch of the Sperry Flouring Co., with 
a capacity of 150 barrels a day. At these mills is manufactured the "Drifted Snow" flour, celebrated throughout the State and which excites 
the admiration of visitors from abroad. Large tanneries turn out thousands of pounds of superior leather which is shipped to the east to 
be made into boots, shoes and other articles. This product could be profitably worked up at home. Several hundred different articles are 
manufactured in Santa Clara County in a small waj r , but the industrial resources offer a practically virgin field to combined capital and extensive 
operations. The reason these magnificent resources are not in a more forward stage of development is due to the fact that our people have 
had no instruction in that direction. The}' have mostly come from agricultural communities and have not had the experience in manufacturing 
necessary to give them confidence in such operations. But it will not always be thus. Capital and experience will be attracted to the 
advantages that Santa Clara County possesses in that direction, and these rich resources will be developed. The improvement of the harbor 
at Alviso will give water communication with the world and 'will bring Eastern Asia and South America and the Islands of the Pacific to 
our doors, and will offer a market easy of access and practically insatiable in its demands. 

THE RICHEST SPOT ON THE GLOBE. 

/T^HE orchard districts of Santa Clara County produce more money than any other tract of ground of equal area on the face of the globe. 
(u£)\ The income last year was about $100 for every inhabitant of the County. Three-fifths of the population reside in the cities, so that 
>— S this large per capita was produced by less than half of the population. It has been shown that five acres of orchard will support an 
average family in great comfort — in fact, that it is fully equivalent to a salary of $1000 per annum. This fact will assist to a comprehension 
of the wealth and importance that this community will achieve when all of its fruit land is thus occupied and with its attendant industries. 
The income from the fruit crops this season (1893) is estimated at $6,000,000. The total valuation of all property in the County as 
shown by the assessors books, is $55,826,156. It will thus be seen that the income from the fruit crops alone would pay an interest of 
over ten per cext ox the total valuation of all property ix the county of whatever character or description. 



t 



Xote. — In the table on page 14-, under the title "amount raised," is given the gross collections for both State and County purposes, 
while the rate of taxation given is for County purposes only. 



